§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the annual reduction by number and percentage in his Department since 1 April 1975.
§ Mr. NewtonThe information requested is as follows:
Permanent Staff in DHSS Difference Numbers Percentage Difference April 1975–76 +4,472 +5.04 April 1976–77 +2,559 +2.75 April 1977–78 +1,268 +1.32 April 1978–79 +1,441 +1.49 April 1979–80 -2,160 -2.19 April 1980–81 +1,201½ +1.25 April 1981–82 -l,867½ -1.92 These figures reflect increases in demand-led work on the social security side of the Department. They mask the fact that measures have been taken during this period which have resulted in it being possible now to employ more than 10,000 staff fewer than would otherwise have been necessary. As I have indicated in my other reply, other measures are in preparation which will lead to further staff savings by April 1984.
§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of redundancies that have occurred in his Department since 1 April 1979; and what is this number as a percentage of (a) total reductions achieved and (b) of the strength at 1 April 1979.
§ Mr. NewtonEight full-time and nine part-time staff have been made redundant between 1 April 1979 and 1 April 1982, the equivalent of 12½ full-time posts. This is 0.44 per cent. of the total reductions achieved and 0.013 per cent. of the strength at 1 April 1979.
85WThe Department has a policy of avoiding redundancy wherever possible by saving posts through natural wastage.
§ Mr. Eggarasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the number of staff in his Department on 1 April 1979 and 1 April 1982; what was the total reduction in staff between the two dates; and if he will express this as a percentage of the 1 April 1979 strength.
§ Mr. NewtonThe information requested is as follows:
Permanent Staff in DHSS
- 1 April 1979 98,369
- 1 April 1982 95,543
- Reduction 2,826
- Percentage Change -2.9
These figures mask three important factors. First, almost all the work of the Department is demand-led and current staffing levels would have been about 3,500 lower than they are now had there been no increase in supplementary benefit work loads. Secondly, the Department has introduced a number of measures since 1979 which have been designed to improve efficiency. Without these savings, a further 6,000 staff would by now be needed to administer the social security scheme. Thirdly, the two major measures leading to staff savings: statutory sick pay and housing benefit—saving a total of about 5,000 staff—required legislation before they could be implemented. These measures will be introduced on 1 April 1983.